About John N.

About John

I have been playing guitar and bass for over 35 years and traveled the world playing concerts in Clubs and Stadiums. My band ESTUS was signed to Columbia Records by Clive Davis, I played with the Eddie Kirkland Blues Band, formed Fat City in Woodstock NY, and played toured nationally with Quicksilver Messenger Service. Currently I play in RSB, the Rick Sickmen Band, and teach at the School of Rock in Vienna. I want to share my knowledge and extensive experience with students to 'play it forward' while having fun.

*** Lesson Details ***From beginners to experienced players everyone has their own goals and style of learning. I will try to have my students playing songs as soon as possible, in the style (rock, blues, country) that they want, while teaching some basic music theory to build on. My studio is fully equipped with instruments,

John N.

About Geoff S.

About Geoff

I played on a toy piano when I was very young, learning a bit of sight reading from my Mother, while listening to classical, jazz, and rock music. When I was 12, I learned guitar and later took private piano lessons from a prominent Philadelphia instructor. After playing in a rock band in high school, I went to college and received my degree in Physics. During this time, I joined a choir, and sang and played guitar in a contemporary vocal group where I became the lead guitarist and vocal arranger, and later became the director. I also played guitar in my church, as well as in a small folk group, performing music of the Beatles, Bacharach, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and many others. I also played or sung in a number of weddings during my college days.

Upon graduation, I moved to the DC area to work in the engineering field, while s

imultaneously pursuing my music ambition. I studied classical guitar at American University with a student of the great Andres Segovia, and also studied jazz guitar with a former student of a prominent jazz guitarist, Pat Martino. Additionally, I sang in choirs and studied composition privately with a prominent Washington area composer and performer from Catholic University, I also began to teach at an area performing arts academy.

My most long-term experiences in music have been serving in my local church for over 30 years, either playing guitar (acoustic, electric, bass), piano, or arranging vocals in a contemporary worship band. I also started a church choir, and led both choir and small orchestra in a number of special performances. Additionally, I led congregational worship in different scenarios. During this time I also taught students of all ages guitar, piano, and music theory, and have continued to today in helping students to find their musical potential and pursue their musical ambitions.

I have recently retired from my engineering career so I can use my musical gifts in my local church and teach music as a second career. I have completed my second degree at George Mason University, and continue to play with other musicians there. More importantly, I continue to learn how to better teach others of all ages how to grow in all aspects of music-making.

*** Lesson Details ***Having taught for many years, my approach is flexible and I can adjust my teaching style and/or curriculum to maximize the student's potential for learning at any age. I encourage disciplined practice while working to make learning music an enjoyable experience. Although I specialize in guitar styles, I also teach piano, and can include music theory, sight reading, composition, and how to improvise on any instrument. I have taught improvisation on a number of different instruments such as violin, cello, flute, and clarinet.

Here are some testimonials from present or former students/parents:

"Mr. S. is very earnest; when he gives you a compliment, you can tell he really means it. He's very patient and experienced and skilled and he is willing to take what he's teaching down to my level to help me understand it." Gregory K., age 10 Geoff is a patient and encouraging instructor. He tailored my lessons towards the skills that I needed. He provides the necessary encouragement when the long hours of practice seem impossible to sustain. I could write a book about Geoff's credentials: highly qualified is an understatement. -- Neal B.Mr. S. is awesome at playing and teaching guitar, and he is nice and helps you. -- Michael B., age 12I'm sure I could learn to Play Guitar Today using books and videos, but I think I'm on the right track with private one-on-one instruction.  Linda H.The guitar lessons are fun, interactive, and instructive. A great way to make learning a delight! Gina R., parent

*** Specialties ***I teach any style of guitar, including classical and jazz. I also teach improvisation or "playing by ear" on any instrument; my experience includes piano, violin, cello, clarinet, and flute.I'm very familiar with 60's music (e.g., Beatles)I've performed a lot of folk music, rock music, and classical musicI've played classical guitar and in classical and jazz ensembles at weddings and other special events.

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Reviews

McKinley Dyer January 17, 2018·Acoustic Guitar·In studio

Geoff is great! Really knows what he’s doing. I’ve learned a lot in the three weeks that I’ve been working with him.

Gordon Lu October 11, 2017·Ukulele·In studio

hope there is more effort in teaching.

darius July 28, 2017·Guitar·In studio

Geoff puts you at ease, he listens. Teaches to your skill level. I'm actually looking forward to the next class. I haven't looked forward to picking up a guitar in years and now I'm jazzed

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Geoff S.

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Geoff S.

Fairfax, VA 22032

(11)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Trevor H.

Learn how to play bass guitar. Right-hand technique, including slap bass. Standard notation when desired.

About Trevor

Every musician was first and foremost a fan of music. My love ofmusic began when my mother took me to a performance of Beethoven'sfifth symphony when, coincidentally, I was five. From that point, Istarted fervently listening to my mother's records (those are thehuge, black monstrosities that people in the pre-historic used inplace of iPods), followed closely by my father's CD collection. After a while, this ravenous desire of to know and feel music movedme to play an instrument. After a couple of false starts with thedrums and violin, I found my true musical calling: the guitar.

On January 25th 1995, on a whim, I began playing theguitar, and I have yet to put it down. Along the way I've picked upa number of friends for my guitar, including the bass, the lute, thesitar and, once again, the drums. After on

ly a few years ofpractice, I started playing professionally, in bands and solo guitar. Live playing experience, I believe, is the most important experiencethat any musician can have, in that, the most important part of musicis how it sounds, and playing in front of people is the quickest wayto learn how to play effectively. And this is what I teach; how tobe a musician, not just a technician.

*** Lesson Details ***A student can expect a curriculum tailor-made to their needs and personality. Every person learns differently and this is an important distinction in my teaching style. Some students need a strong hand to keep them working, others need to find many different ways to the same conclusion to keep them focused, while still others need a laid-back friend in order to accept knowledge.

I stress rhythmic literacy, for, as my jazz teacher always said, "rhythm is king." If composition is important to you, then we'll focus on music theory, but if you're just wanting to learn how to play some fun rock tunes with your friends on the weekends, we can do that as well. As I stated before, we'll get you playing in front of people in no time.

Trevor H.

Trevor H.

About Robert M.

About Robert

Professional musician in the Asheville, NC. area offering private guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, and bass lessons. I am also available for studio recording and live performance.

With over 28 years experience, I have been teaching all ages, styles, and levels. This is not a hobby or part-time job. Performing and teaching is what I do.

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Reviews

Terry January 12, 2018·Banjo·Online

I am a beginner, and was very comfortable with Robert, made it very easy, and enjoy the lesson.

Susan H. August 30, 2017·Ukulele·In home

Robert was prepared, informative and exhibited good teaching skills.

Kathryn Cartledge December 2, 2016·Ukulele·In studio

I am seventy years old and have absolutely no natural ability! Robert is patience and respectful, he always find something good about what I have learned. Very encouraging. My third lesson was the best as we both seemed more relaxed and get more comfortable. I like Robert.

Robert M.

Robert M.

About Lola M.

Each lesson is tailored to fit each individual student. We will cover genres of music that's of interest to you, using music you enjoy most so learning the bass will be fun.

About Lola

I have more than 30 years of musical experience. I’ve taught guitar, piano, bass, and theater in private schools, art schools and I’m currently teaching at Classic Axe Guitar Gallery in Gainesville, VA. I’ve taught over 250 students in all levels of experience, tailoring each lesson to fit each student, covering all genres, so that learning their instrument is fun. It’s been exciting to see some of them become music majors, some of them become performers, and some using their skills and gifts to teach others. I love teaching and sharing my musical knowledge with people of ALL ages. I believe anyone can learn music, with the right approach and encouragement. Nothing gives me more pleasure than watching my students accomplish more than they ever dreamed possible.

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Reviews

Deserai February 16, 2018·Acoustic Guitar·Online

Lola was amazing and very personable :) she made me feel at ease on wanting to learn a new instrument

Jack January 4, 2018·Acoustic Guitar·Online

She is awesome!

Skylar December 29, 2017·Piano·Online

Fantastic first lesson - look forward to next week!

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Lola M.

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Lola M.

Front Royal, VA 22630

(10)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

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About Tommy W.

I've been playing bass since I was 11. I have a degree in jazz performance so improvisation plays a key role in my lessons, but am fully capable of teaching any style. If you take lessons with me, we will certainly cover the basics of two finger style grooves, but can easily dive into advanced techniques like two hand tapping, artificial harmonics, chordal playing, three finger techniques, and slapping and popping.

About Tommy

My name is Tommy. I've been playing bass and guitar since I was 11 years old. When I was in high school, I won my school's Duke Ellington Jazz Performance Award my junior year. Around this time I began to work at my neighborhood's local lesson shop Let's Play Music! off of W Broad Street in Falls Church, VA. Following high school, I attended the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City, studying jazz bass performance with players who have played and recorded with John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Bobby McFerrin, among others. I received my degree in Jazz Bass Performance and since returning to the DC area have taught at Let's Play Music, Bach 2 Rock, and Music and Arts. Outside of my academic accomplishments, I play in and record a number of bands. I play out at different venues from Richmond to Baltimore regularly and ha

ve gone on tour twice before. I specialize in electric bass and music theory, but am quite comfortable teaching beginner to intermediate guitar.

...

Reviews

dusty July 22, 2017·Bass Guitar·In studio

Just my initial lesson, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Tommy is an extremely knowledgeable instructor. Seems my first pick for bass instructor was dead on. :-)

Jen May 17, 2017·Bass Guitar·In home

We were so lucky to have been referred to Tommy. Our middle school son wanted to branch out from playing the upright/classic bass, to electric bass and acoustic guitar. Tommy worked with our son for nearly 2 years. Tommy was always reliable, always prompt, always polite and 100% committed to the music and to our son's personal progress & improvement. He was always flexible, upbeat and easy to work with...with the patience of a saint...esp. for the parent who knows nothing about guitar. A huge talent!

Sedat April 24, 2017·Bass Guitar·In home

Tommy is a phenomenal teacher. He is able to explain advanced concepts related to music theory in a way that is easy to understand and teaches you how to apply it to your own playing. Easily the best person to learn from if you want to improve your bass technique.

Tommy W.

Tommy W.

About Calvin G.

Sessions available for beginners thru advanced on 4 string and 5 string electric bass guitar. Online and in your home lessons are easy and affordable. Sign-up today!

About Calvin

Hello and welcome to my profile here on takelessons.com thanks for stopping by! My name is Calvin and I’ve been teaching students of all ages for more than 16 years now.I started my personal music journey at 4 years old first learning piano and guitar and multiple other instruments from there. My father was my first music instructor which grounded me in the foundation and theory of music while at the same time knowing that ear training and learning how to play with other musicians was just as important. From there I had the privilege of learning jazz, blues, and many other styles from the late Hal Stesch at UNLV School of Music who played piano and organ for many great artists including Elvis, The Platters, Frank Sinatra, and many more. Currently my wife and lead Praise and worship 3 to 4 times weekly a two different church campuses an

d also perform every Saturday at a Branson style show in Liberty, Texas.My approach to teaching music is to customize lessons to the student’s interests while still maintaining the essentials and foundations including music theory, scales, and reading music. I like to incorporate particular songs and genres of music that the student likes by providing customized tracks with their particular instrument taken out so that feel a sense of accomplishment and get the practice of playing along with other musicians which benefits in the ear training process. I look forward to meeting and "jamming" with you soon!

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Reviews

alex April 4, 2016·Guitar·In home

Great beginning!

Douglas M. March 2, 2016·Piano·In home

It only took one lesson to realize I made the right decision selecting Calvin. He is patient and truly customize your lessons for reaching your goals. If you are serious about playing, I would recommend him as an instructor.

Anita T. January 12, 2016·Piano·In home

My son had his first piano class with Calvin and he enjoyed the lesson very much!

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Calvin G.

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Calvin G.

Online

(9)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Daniel B.

Studying electric bass with me means you get customized lessons with your interests and goals in mind. Eartraining, technical facility, and a strong sense of groove/rhythm are honed to make great bassists that love playing their instruments. I teach any style - from jazz and latin bass to motown, rock, and metal.

About Daniel

Hello! My name is Daniel and I have been playing and teaching bass (electric and upright) and guitar in all styles for over 10 years. I even have a Masters Degree and a double major Bachelors in music to show for it. My students have the benefit of highly customized lessons based on their interests and goals.

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Reviews

Charita P. August 7, 2017·Guitar·In home

Really liked the structured teaching methodology.
Daniel is very patient

Shiva S. June 24, 2017·Guitar·In home

One of the best teachers my son has had. He looks forward to his lessons everytime.

Jenny March 1, 2017·Acoustic Guitar·In studio

Daniel is very thorough and patient. He's a great teacher!

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Daniel B.

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Daniel B.

Centreville, VA 20121

(10)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Josh M.

Hi! I teach acoustic guitar for all ages! I have 13 years experience playing and 3 years teaching. I tailor my lessons based on each individual students needs/goals. My specialty is playing and singing together, to include teaching students how to play cover songs to match their vocal range.

About Josh

Hello!

My name is Josh and I love to play guitar! I also enjoy teaching others and helping people find their inner rock star! I've been playing for 13 years, acoustic, electric, bass...you name it. I've been in a few bands (90s covers!) but find solo work to be my favorite setting. I'm fairly new to teaching guitar but have experience with people of all ages (7 - 40). I'm looking to grow my student base and find others who share the same passion for guitar that I do!

I am willing to travel to your location, meet at a park on a nice day, or book studio time (if requested) at a local studio. I also will invite you into my home to practice, whatever works for you!

I'm looking forward to working with you!

Josh M.

...

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Josh M.

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Josh M.

Falls Church, VA 22042

starting at

$50
/ 30-min

About Nadav P.

Laying down grooves, knowing the fretboard and coming up with bass lines are just a few of the subjects we can work on!

About Nadav

Hi there,

My name is Nadav and I have been a professional guitar player and teacher for most of my life now. I have a very extensive experience playing festivals and venues in the U.S and abroad and have been teaching beginner and advanced guitar/bass and musical ensemble classes for 15 years.

I always strive to make the lessons fun (otherwise, what's the point? (: ) all the while being educational and try to have the student start playing actual music (simple melodies/songs) from the very first lesson.

For more advanced students- I focus on many valuable technics for live playing/recording situations as well as theory/harmony and ear training and cover a very wide range of musical styles.

I also teach electric bass and Ukulele.

I have graduated from the Rubin Academy for Music and Dance (Jerusalem) with honors and was

a dean's list honoree while attending the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music (NYC) I have been awarded with the America-Israel Culture Fund's "Exellence in Jazz Guitar" award as well as many scholarships for various prestigious musical institutions around the world.

I'm happy to teach at both my apt. in West Hollywood or the student's home.

...

Reviews

Bill T. February 7, 2018·Acoustic Guitar·In studio

Speaking from the standpoint of a colleague of Nadav’s for many years and professional musician/educator myself, Nadav is the real deal. He is my top recommendation, without question, for anyone looking to study the guitar and/or music in general.

Nadav is an extremely gifted and skilled musician, composer, and bandleader with very deep understanding of playing the guitar. He has the experience and versatility to so in a multitude of different styles ranging from R&B, Pop, Funk, Jazz and Ethiopian groove music (check out his incredible band: Abbess Orchestra). He is also extremely kind, has a gentle yet “matter-of-fact” demeanor and is the consummate professional.

For anyone who has interest in learning the guitar and needs an instructor, no matter their experience level, it’s impossible to go wrong with Nadav. Just check him out and sign up!

Eran February 4, 2018·Guitar·In home

I was a self taught guitar player since a very early age, so when I met Nadav for the first time I already knew many songs and chords. But my technique was a mess.
Nadav helped me establish a healthy and meticulous practice routine that fixed my technique very quickly.
I would recommend him as a teacher for every level.

Randy February 4, 2018·Guitar·Online

Great teacher with good vibes! Nadav showed me great ways to practice harmony and soloing on the guitar. Highly recommended.

I chose John because of his extensive experience as a professional musician and recommend him highly if you are looking for a great

instructor. If his patience with this 44 year old starting musician is any indication, I'm certain he's good with anyone at any age!"

...

Washington, DC teacher:
John N.

Review by Taylor

"My Daughter really enjoyed her lesson. Aleksis knowledge of music was excellent."

Washington, DC teacher:
Aleksis B.

Review by Sharon

"I am a 53 year old student learning how to play bass guitar. John is an excellent instructor & teacher! I began playing "Louie Louie"& "The eye of the Ti

ger" in the 1st session. Awesome!!!!"

...

Washington, DC teacher:
John B.

Review by Sameer

"John's been great so far--very knowledgable and willing to change pace/style/material to suit te student's needs and preferences. I will be re-upping!"

...

Washington, DC teacher:
John B.

Review by Dan

"I have been working professionally with Dan Brown for a few years now and I have to say, he is the finest bassist I've ever worked with. Primarily, he is

a brilliant musician and a master of his instrument. But more than that, he has a clear understanding of the music and can communicate musical concepts in a simple, straightforward way. I've learned a great deal from Dan since we began collaborating and couldn't recommend him more highly as an instructor."

...

Washington, DC teacher:
Daniel B.

Review by Melvin

"A Great Musician and Bass Guitar Instructor!

Jon is one of the best instructor's I've come to know. Although I've only been taking lessons from him since

February 2013; he has proven to be a true musician and a great teacher. His teaching style is relaxed which removes the pressure from learning how to play which allows you to absorb more instruction. He instills confidence in you while you're trying to play the instrument which motivates you to want to learn more. We even have a "jam" session at the end of my lesson which is really fun. I enjoy taking lessons from Jon and am sure that every who does (and plan to) share the same feeling. Good job Jon!"

...

Washington, DC teacher:
John B.

Review by Morgan

"My son, age 10, was a beginner when he started with Brian a little more than a year ago. Not only is Brian an experienced, expert guitar player, he's also

an exceptionally patient teacher who adapts his lessons to the skill level and tastes of the student. Brian makes guitar lessons fun and knows how to motivate my son to continue practicing outside of lessons.

My son started out learning guitar and recently has taken up the bass, too! He's been learning songs I like with dominant bass patterns such as Pump it Up by Elvis Costello, Get Ready by The Temptations, the theme song from The Barney Miller show (1970s) and, most recently, Sunshine of Your Love by Cream.

My son really looks forward to his weekly lesson and has a great rapport with Brian. My son learns the basics using Brian's guitar instruction book, learning how to play blues and rock standards while mixing in the alternative rocks songs he plays and performs with his band.

Brian has been invaluable in teaching my son the skills required to perform live in front of an audience, reviewing performances and providing advice on how to optimize live sound production. Brian provided great notes about the stage set up for my son's band's performance at the school talent show. In less than a year, my son went from just picking up the instrument to playing on stage in front of a large audience and holding his own with a band of more experienced musicians. Brian was a huge help in making this happen!"

...

Washington, DC teacher:
Brian G.

Review by Jen

"We were so lucky to have been referred to Tommy. Our middle school son wanted to branch out from playing the upright/classic bass, to electric bass and a

coustic guitar. Tommy worked with our son for nearly 2 years. Tommy was always reliable, always prompt, always polite and 100% committed to the music and to our son's personal progress & improvement. He was always flexible, upbeat and easy to work with...with the patience of a saint...esp. for the parent who knows nothing about guitar. A huge talent!"